Small Business Resources

The Alpha Park Public Library now offers equipment, books, and DVDs for checkout to local businesses. This is an opportunity for local small business owners or those considering starting a business to access free tools and materials to help their businesses succeed. Contact the Information Desk for more details (309) 697-3822 x13.

Steps to Small Business Start-Up: Everything You Need to Know to Turn Your Idea Into a Successful Business by Linda Pinson

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath, Dan Heath

Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden

Business Audio Books:

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Networking With Millionaires by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D.

Ziglar on Selling: The Ultimate Handbook for the Complete Sales Professional by Zig Ziglar

On Managing by Mark H. McCormack

Business Magazine:

Home Business Magazine

Local Small Business Agencies

Small Business Association (SBA) - an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. Including loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3161

Develop a presentation to show off your business and products at
meetings — The library also offers meeting room space.

Show informative/training videos to staff.

Use the software to develop sales and marketing plans.

Business books also offer a great deal of information and tips to help make your business
a success.

Special thanks to the Small Business Administration, the Illinois State Library, and Peoria County for grants that allow us to make this equipment and technology available to our small business patrons.